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FEMA assistance available if one’s home is a boat

FEMA reported that if a boat was your primary residence before and during Hurricane Ian making landfall in Florida — and the boat sustained damage — it may be able to help. Survivors living in one of the 26 counties designated for federal assistance, including Lee County, are encouraged to apply. People can begin an application online at DisasterAssistance.gov, visit a Disaster Recovery Center or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Be ready to provide the physical and complete address of the dock or marina and the slip or mooring number, if the boat was not located on private property. To locate a nearby center, go online to DRC Locator or floridadisaster.org, or text DRC along with your ZIP Code to 43362. FEMA reported that living on a boat is a unique situation, but you may qualify for assistance. However, if you do not provide a slip or mooring number, it may result in your application becoming attached to another boat or boats at the same address, which will cause delays in processing your application. You also cannot use a P.O. Box as your primary address, but you can use it as a mailing address. For the latest information on Ian recovery, visit floridadisaster.org/info and fema.gov/disaster/4673. People can also follow FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

Lap pool and slide reopen at rec center

The Sanibel Recreation Center has reopened its lap pool and slide for use on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the facility, at 3880 SanibelCaptiva Road, Sanibel. Currently open to the community at no cost, it is offering its weight room, Osprey Room with free WiFi and a coffee station, locker room and showers, and pick up pickleball and tennis on the outdoor courts. There is also a Gentle Yoga Class with Patricia Gennity on Tuesday and Thursday at 9 a.m. The gymnasium and playground remain closed posthurricane. The center's hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will be closed on Dec. 24 and 26 in observance of the holiday. For more information, call 239-472-0302 or 239395-1860.

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F.I.S.H., Billy's to partner to hand out bicycles

F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva and Billy’s Rentals will distribute bikes to island residents and employees from now through Dec. 23 at the F.I.S.H. Walk-In Center, at 2430-B Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. Billy’s Rentals will have bicycles available for the entire family. Recipients must live or work on Sanibel or Captiva. Island residents will be required to present their driver's license with an island address, and employees will be required to present a recent paystub. For more information, contact 239472-4775 during business hours or info@fishofsancap.org.

Periwinkle Park provides post-storm update

Periwinkle Park General Manager David Muench reported last week that it is highly unlikely they will entertain any tourism camping or RVs this season due to the current state of the park and island. He noted that they still do not have electric service to the campsites, and therefore are unable to to operate the sewer in the area. Once they are able, they have dedicated their short-term sites to residents who need space while rehabilitating their homes. If they have space after that, they plan to prioritize Sanibel residents who need space while working on their homes and properties. He explained that as soon as that need is satisfied, they will be so happy to see their campers and RV friends return. Periwinkle Park is at 1119 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.

Dr. Robin Bast PHOTO PROVIDED BY CROW ARC provides temporary home for CROW

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CROW finds temporary home at ARC in North Fort Myers

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com North Fort Myers' best-known animal shelter is providing a temporary home for a Sanibel saver of animals of a different sort. The Animal Refuge Center has shared its facilities with the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife in the wake of Hurricane Ian's devastating damage to Sanibel. CROW has set up operations in two of ARC's buildings — its former clinic and another that allowed CROW to set up a nursery. Thanks to ARC's generosity and outreach from other centers, the big challenge of finding a temporary home for continuing operations was met. CROW staff then worked together to meet the challenge of getting back to work. “Honestly the most rewarding thing for me has been the teamwork, ” veterinarian Dr. Robin Bast said. “We have always been very lucky in having a really solid supportive team at CROW. Regardless of whatever challenges we come up against, they rise to the challenge and find positive spins to put on things and lift each other up to help get through this. We have a really great team and despite all the challenges that arose from the storm, we are still grateful to be able to achieve our mission and thankful for the support of our community. ” On a personal note, Bast and CROW's associate veterinarian had to deal simultaneously with personal loss — both lost their apartments and everything inside. “We were dealing with gutting our places and trying to keep patient care going and finding a new place. The staff didn't even bat an eyelash in offering to help and really being there for each other, ” she said of the teamwork.

Hurricane preparation, evacuation

Along with many other organizations in Southwest Florida, CROW has a storm preparation plan. Bast said they have a plan that is reviewed at the start of every storm season with staff. This year, the plan began with implementing preparation procedures when Hurricane Ian began showing potential of impacting Southwest Florida. When the path abruptly changed, Bast said they kicked everything into high gear and began evacuating on Sept 27.

ALL PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CROW

The first day CROW officially had everything moved into ARC’s building surgery was preformed on an eastern cottontail rabbit that had sustained wounds from a dog attack

The evacuation entailed evacuating more than 150 patients. The baby squirrels, possums and raccoons went with Bast, students on site, and a couple of staff members to a hotel in Fort Myers. “We rode out the storm there and continued to care for the babies in the hotel. They are relatively transportable compared to other patients we had, ” she said, adding that obviously they were thinking temporarily. The students and Bast stayed in the hotel for about 10 days before they helped the students arrange travel arrangements back home, as CROW no longer had housing available for them. “We needed to get ourselves back and running before we could get back to teaching, ” she said. The intensive care and rehab patients were transferred to CROW's partner rehab organizations across the state to the South Florida Wildlife Center and Conservancy of Southwest Florida, as well as the Keys. Bast said some of the patients that they did not want to take to the hotel, but were close to being released or easily cared for, went home with staff members who are certified rehabilitators. Hawks and owls rode out the storm in their garage. After the storm any new patients admitted to CROW went through the BluePearl Pet Hospital in Fort Myers, which is a 24/7 dog and cat emergency room. Staff would go to BluePearl twice a day and triage any injured or sick wildlife that was dropped off. The wildlife was stabilized, treated and kept overnight at the hotel or at a staff member's place before going to the Conservancy.

Temporary site

Conversations began about finding a temporary site to get CROW up and running at until it could return to Sanibel. ARC Board Trustee Dr. Laura Leinen said in a nice twist of fate they had been talking with the board about how to repurpose the former clinic, as ARC's new stateof-the-art clinic opened over the summer. “It was wonderfully vacant when Ian came through, ” she said. “Knowing the position that CROW was in, it was quite fortunate it was emptied out. ” Leinen said she was excited to offer the space to CROW, as they have always been friends with the organization and ARC's damage was much more minimal than a lot of other organizations. “It meant that we were in good shape and we could offer to others, ” she said.

CROW students feed patients in their hotel rooms.

CROW From page 18

Leinen said she and Bast, both veterinarians, have been connected for a long time in the community. “We are thinking this is pretty cool. We are finally working together, ” she said. “Robin and I are both passionate about the one health model … health of wildlife interconnected with health of people and domestic animals. ” Bast said they moved into the ARC facility at the end of October. “We are now in a position to now actually keep patients and treat them here longer than 24- to 48-hour period, ” she said, adding that ARC offered two of its buildings for CROW to use — the old clinic building, as well as another where there are lots of babies undergoing rehab care. The old ARC clinic allows CROW to perform ICU and surgery, as well as do intakes. Bast said they did surgery the first day they officially had everything moved into ARC's building. The surgery was on an Eastern cottontail rabbit that had sustained wounds from a dog attack. Since then, they have done hook removals from turtles, as well as removing an injured eye from a burrowing owl. “Luckily, we are in the position now to get back to doing a lot of the things we are able to do, ” she said. “We are so blessed. When I first heard we had the possibility of moving the facility out here, so we can continue to function, it was a huge relief. ” After the storm, it was hard for the CROW staff to predict how much wildlife would be admitted. “Some days we would have 25 to 30 admissions in a day that we would be triaging, and some days one or two, ” Bast said. “Obviously people are very busy and it's hard to get things transported to where they could get help. (There was) definitely a lot of animals affected. I don't think we are getting slammed with a lot of patients because a lot of them didn't do well. ” On Nov. 12, CROW had about a dozen patients in care with half of them being in intensive care. “It's definitely a lot quieter than usual. We are all kind of waiting on pins and needles on how red tide is going to turn out this season. We are praying it isn't as bad as 2018 after Irma, ” she said.

Sanibel campus

There is a lot of clean up to do at the island campus. “It is hard to find words to describe it. It is incredibly changed and different than before, ” Bast said of Sanibel. With that said, the main buildings are all still standing, such as the hospital, student housing and educational center. “From that perspective, we did well, ” she said. The inside of the clinic had some water on the lower level, but not a great deal. The top floor, which houses all the main equipment, such as diagnostic and surgery equipment, did completely fine. A great deal of that equipment was able to be moved to the ARC facility, with the exception of the X-ray machine. “We are able to share the X-ray machine that ARC has in the new hospital, ” Bast said. With an emergency pass still needed to enter Sanibel, several trips to get the equipment were planned ahead of time, as not a lot of people were able to go at once. Leinen said ARC's new facility has a large full digital X-ray system, as well as laboratory blood testing equipment, that CROW is able to use. “They come over with patients when needed. It's such a luxury we have at this point to have the space to accommodate both groups that way, ” she said. Although all of the outdoor CROW enclosures sustained some level of damage, the newer ones that were done this year fared really well. The older enclosures either need to be completely rebuilt, or undergo significant repairs, Bast said. For this reason, CROW is partnering with other local wildlife hospitals for rehab for their bird patients until they can get the enclosures up and running again. As far as the student externships, they are put on pause until at least January. “Luckily, housing on-island was not impacted structurally, ” she said of student housing, which was without power so the students could not return. On the plus side, she said two veterinary interns remain and are getting advanced training in special species medicine. The two began in July and so far have had a rough start. “They have done an amazing job in terms of helping the students get through it and all of us continue to take care of patients. I am super proud of the students we had during the storm and super proud of interns. They continue to do good work and have a positive attitude and are still wanting to learn despite the challenges, ” Bast said, adding that they are receiving great disaster work experience.

CROW Staff cleaning up campus.

ARC

Community support

Those who would like to support CROW may make a monetary donation by visiting www.crowclinic.org and clicking on the hurricane relief fund. Bast said the donations will help CROW rebuild its enclosures, as well as continue to purchase supplies needed to take care of patients. When there is more access to the island, she said they will reach out for volunteers who would like to help clean up the campus.

Helping wildlife

The injured wildlife hotline remains open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, including holidays, by calling (239) 472-3644. Staff will walk the caller through if the wildlife needs to be rescued, or how to rescue the animal. “Our volunteers were hugely impacted

by the storm as well, ” Bast said.

“We don't have as many active volunteers able to assist with transport and rescue. Anyone interested in that, or willing to help if they find an animal, can call us to get the help they need. ” Currently, she said all wildlife is being routed to BluePearl before going to CROW at ARC.

Leinen said although the main buildings are structurally fine, there was damage to their property, such as the trees and fencing, as well as damage to some of the dog lodges. ARC is open for adoptions by appointment. She said she understands that some are not able to add to their family right now. “If you have been thinking about adopting a dog or a cat, and your living situation was not heavily impacted by Hurricane Ian, now is a great time to look for a new friend. Saving a pet from us right now is opening up space for a shelter for someone who has to make a decision to relinquish a pet, ” Leinen said. “If you are in the position, it really never has been a better time. ” ARC also is sorely in need of donations post-Ian. To make a donation to ARC, visit animalrefugecenter.com.

Scan the QRCode above to dontate to the CROW Hurricane Ian Recovery Fund

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Muhly grass

PHOTO PROVIDED

Salt-tolerant muhly grass is a blooming grass

Fun, whimsical and versatile only begin to describe a Florida plant known as muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris), with its long green stalks and fluffy blooms making its showcase amongst your landscape. This particular type of grass prospers easily throughout the year, blooming its beautiful stalks of feathery flowers, ranging from classic tones of pink and purple, to elegant fluffs of white in the fall. As an easily adaptable plant requiring little maintenance, muhly grass is a great choice if you lack a green thumb. Providing water to newly planted stalks until they are well established sets the road for later on, as they have a high drought tolerance once mature. Sunny spots are best for the wild sprouts, which flourish rapidly in the spring to reveal their slender, dark green foliage. Trimming them in the winter helps maintain a manageable size for the rest of the year. Because muhly grass can grow to great sizes of 2-3 feet tall and 3 feet wide, with flower stalks reaching a whopping 5 feet in length, planting this type of vegetation about 24-36 inches apart gives them plenty of room to grow. If you’re looking to make muhly grass the next addition to your landscaping, it’s the perfect choice for coastal atmospheres, considering this beauty is a native. Whether you prefer a flowing border of these fountaining flowers or instead opt for a large group of them, either choice will leave you with an equally beautiful appearance. And if you decide you want more, you can easily divide mature clumps of the grass in the spring to create several new plants. So, keep your eyes peeled for this wonderfully delicate yet highly tolerant plant as it’s a reliable, easily maintainable shrub to add a pop of flare to your garden.

In The Garden is a joint effort by all at the local garden center, at 3889 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel. For more information, contact 239-3955859 or visit www.facebook.com/rswalshinthegarden.

FEMA policy change addresses home cleaning, sanitizing

Last week, FEMA announced over $117 million was provided to survivors in additional assistance due to a policy update which expanded cleaning and sanitizing assistance following a disaster. Because of the policy update, more than 391,000 additional applicants have been able to get financial help. FEMA reported that under the Clean and Sanitize Assistance program, if a survivor received minor damage to their home, but was able to live in the home, it may be able to provide up to $300 to help prevent additional losses and to protect the health and safety of the survivor’s home. The assistance is for eligible homeowners and renters and can be used to pay for supplies or a service to clean up. In 2021, under the leadership of FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, it implemented these policy changes to help simplify the disaster assistance process and provide greater equity to all survivors. “The Clean and Sanitize Assistance program is yet another critical resource FEMA provides to help protect the health and safety of people recovering from disasters, ” she said. “FEMA is using every tool at our disposal to ensure that all people affected by disaster, including those from low-income and underserved communities, are better able to access the resources they need to stay safe and protect their home. ” Over $31 million in additional cleaning and sanitizing assistance has gone to Hurricane Ian survivors, and over $59 million in additional assistance has been distributed to survivors of Hurricane Fiona. To qualify for the program, one must meet the following criteria: ∫ An occupancy verified by FEMA. ∫ A pre-disaster primary home located in a designated county, parish or municipality for Individual Assistance. ∫ The inspection noted that clean-up actions are needed or have been taken (for renters). ∫ Damage that is not covered by one’s insurance. ∫ The primary residence had disaster damage but is still safe to occupy. For the latest information on Ian recovery, visit floridadisaster.org/info and fema.gov/disaster/4673. People can also follow FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA CONSERVATION FOUNDATION SCCF launches campaign to replant garden center

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reported that Hurricane Ian wiped out nearly all retail plants at the Native Landscapes & Garden Center and wrecked many of the gardens and forested habitats on the preserve. To aid its efforts to re-vegetate the property, it has launched a campaign that allows individuals to sponsor a new plant or buy a gift card for when the center opens in January. “Since moving the garden center to the Bailey Homestead Preserve in 2015, the demonstration gardens had really started to grow, and Hurricane Ian erased our progress and basically set us back to zero, ” Adult Education Director Jenny Evans said. place to show people what native plants look like in a landscape. ” To donate, visit tinyurl.com/TreebuildSCCF.

Recipe of the Week: Timballo Maccheroni (Baked Ziti Pasta with Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella and Ricotta Cheese)

By CHEF LORETTA PAGANINI

Discover the Italian holiday tradition of “Timballo, ” a delicious baked pasta dish that it is served to family and friends. Easy to prepare, since it can be made ahead. It is everyone's favorite dish — after all, who does not enjoy a good pasta dish. I like to add cooked shrimp, chicken or even broccoli or zucchini. (Chef tip: Do not overcook your pasta; keep it al dente since it will be cook again in the oven for 40 more minutes.)

8 tablespoons unsalted butter 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 cups whole milk 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 1 tablespoon grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese 1 pound ricotta 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 pound ziti pasta 1 onion, peeled and chopped 1/4 cup olive oil 2 cups chopped Roma tomatoes 2 cups tomato sauce 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper 1 tablespoon fresh basil 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon freshly grated black pepper 1 teaspoon fresh breadcrumbs 1 cup shredded fontina cheese Bring a large pot of water to a brisk boil. Add salt, then the pasta and cook until “al dente. ” Drain and drizzle with one tablespoon olive oil. Reserve. Heat oil in a 12-inch skillet. Add garlic, onion, and chopped tomatoes. Cook for five minutes. Add tomato sauce, basil, crushed red pepper and cook for 20 minutes. Add salt and pepper and toss with pasta. Preheat oven to 400°F. Prepare a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with butter and sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Melt butter in a saucepan. Stir in flour to form a roux. Slowly stir in milk. Cook at medium heat until it thickens your cause, and it coats the back of a spoon. Stir in ricotta cheese, nutmeg and mustard. Toss pasta with ricotta cheese sauce. Line bottom of dish with prepared pasta. Top with grated cheese and fontina; bake for 35-40 minutes.

Chef Loretta Paganini

FEMA: If home is still inaccessible due to Ian

FEMA reported that some Florida homes are still inaccessible due to hurricane-damaged roads, rising water, fallen trees and other storm-related issues — especially in and around Sanibel. If you cannot access your primary residence due to storm damage you may be eligible for FEMA rental assistance. If you live in one of the 26 counties designated for federal disaster assistance and have not already applied for FEMA assistance, you should call FEMA to apply. The 800-621-3362 line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. FEMA reported that if flooding, damage or debris prevent a FEMA housing inspector from reaching a damaged residence, the inspector will notify FEMA. It is important to call the FEMA Helpline once your home is accessible. To be eligible for temporary rental assistance: ∫ You must first apply with FEMA. ∫ The home must be your primary residence. ∫ The home is either destroyed, uninhabitable or inaccessible as a result of Hurricane Ian. ∫ Insurance proceeds does not fully cover additional living expenses and/or home repairs. If you need to apply for federal disaster assistance, visit disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app, call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., or visit a Disaster Recovery Center. Several DRCs are operating throughout Florida’s disaster-damaged counties. To find one close to you, go online to DRC Locator or floridadisaster.org, or text DRC along with your zip code to 43362. For the latest information on Ian recovery, visit floridadisaster.org/info and fema.gov/disaster/4673. People can also follow FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook.com/fema.

F.I.S.H. to provide gifts for holiday

F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva will again offer its Adopt-a-Family and Adopt-a-Senior programs for the holidays, along with its new “FISH Stockings. ” Distribution will take place from now to Dec. 23. “As the holidays approach, our entire community is facing new realities while we continue our recovery from Hurricane Ian, ” officials reported. “While no one in Southwest Florida was untouched by this disaster, we are so grateful that many of our supporters have reached out to assist F.I.S.H. families in making their holidays brighter during this difficult time. ” Participating families will receive festive holiday stockings filled with small gifts and treats for each child — or senior — in the home. In addition and based on availability, families will receive a gift card per household to be used for holiday decor or necessary items that were lost or damaged in the storm. F.I.S.H. will be closed on Dec. 26 for the holiday. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, call F.I.S.H. at 239-4724775 during business hours or 239-4720404 outside of the hours. People can also email manuela@fishofsancap.org.

Island Worship

∫ Bat Yam Temple of the Islands 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel (Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ), https://www.batyam.org/, https://www.facebook.com/batyamsanibel/ Rabbi Stephen Fuchs and Cantor Rabbi Sunny Schnitzer Sabbath service on Friday at 7 p.m. at the Jewish Federation of Lee & Charlotte Counties, at 9701 Commerce Center Court, Fort Myers, and via Zoom. For Zoom links, email batyamsanibel@gmail.com. ∫ Captiva Chapel by the Sea 11580 Chapin Lane, Captiva, 239-472-1646, https://www.captivachapel.com/, www.facebook.com/Captiva-Chapel-By-The-Sea Rev. Larry Marshall Sunday service available online; in-person services have been postponed until further notice. Services from the past season have been videotaped and posted on the chapel's website and Facebook page. ∫ Chavurat Shalom of Southwest Florida www.chavuratshalomofsouthwestflorida.org Lecture and discussion on Thursday at 11 a.m. via Zoom. Torah Talk on the third Thursday of each month at 11 a.m. via Zoom. Friday Shabbat service at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Len Minsky Current Events discussion on Saturday at 11 a.m. via Zoom. For Zoom links, email ChavuratShalom@gmail.com. ∫ Sanibel Christian Science Church 2950 West Gulf Drive, Sanibel, 239-810-1077 Due to the hurricane, it is not currently holding services. ∫ Sanibel Community Church 1740 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-2684, https://sanibelchurch.com/, https://www.facebook.com/sanibelchurch/ Pastor Jeramie Rinne Sunday service at 10 a.m. in the SCC Historic Chapel. Sunday service at 5 p.m. at the Fort Myers Community Church, at 8440 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers. Services will be recorded and posted on the SCC's YouTube channel on Monday. ∫ Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-0497, https://www.sanibelucc.org/, https://www.facebook.com/sanibelucc/ Senior Minister Dr. Mark Boyea Sunday service at 10 a.m. at The Refuge Church, at 1901 Brantley Road, Fort Myers. ∫ St. Isabel Catholic Church 3559 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, 239-472-2763, https://www.saintisabel.org/, https://www.facebook.com/stisabelcatholicchurch/ Father Ed Martin Due to the hurricane, it is not currently holding services. ∫ St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church 2304 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 239-472-2173, https://www.saintmichaelssanibel.org/, https://www.facebook.com/saintmichaelssanibel/ Rev. William “Bill” Van Oss Service with optional healing prayers on Wednesday at 9 a.m. at the Peace Lutheran Church, at 15840 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. Sunday service at 11:30 a.m. at the same location, followed by a coffee hour in Fellowship Hall.

Bark in the Mew Year with a new pet from LCDAS

What better way to spend the holidays than with a new furry family member? Lee County Domestic Animal Services reported that it is hoping to help find a home for the holidays for its shelter pets. Adoption fees on all cats and kittens will be reduced to $25 from now through Dec. 31 with an approved application. Valued at $600, the adoption package includes spay or neuter, microchip, up-todate vaccinations, county license and a 10-day health guarantee. The team of volunteers and staff are waiting to introduce your new family member to you. Stop by the adoption center on Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers. To see pets available for adoption, visit www.leelostpets.com.

BIG ARTS reopens gift shop post-storm

BIG ARTS reported that its ground-floor gift shop has reopened to customers. It features original ceramics, artwork, jewelry, gifts and more. For those who cannot stop by, call and a gift shop manager will offer a FaceTime walk-through and detailed descriptions of any items of interest. Sales available by walk-in or phone only. The gift shop is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 239-395-0900. BIG ARTS is at 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel. BIG ARTS

THE COMMUNITY HOUSE

Shirt campaign to benefit TCH recovery

The Community House and Sanibel Community Association are selling Tshirts, with the proceeds going to assist with the renovation of the facility postHurricane Ian. Executive Director Teresa Riska-Hall explained that the building was underinsured and in order to afford wind insurance they have a deductible of over $146,000. She noted that like many nonprofit organizations, they are waiting on the final numbers from their insurance carriers. Adult shirts are available in small to XX large, and youth shirts are available in extra small and medium. They cost $35.60 when bought online, which includes the shipping fee. To purchase shirts, visit sanibelcommunityhouse.net or stop by TCH on Monday or Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. For international orders, contact 239-472-2155 or info@sanibelcommunityhouse.net.

DDWS: Challenge grant goal met

On Dec. 15, the “Ding” Darling Wildlife SocietyFriends of the Refuge reported that it reached its $100,000 matching challenge grant goal. It recently received the anonymous grant from a Bainbridge Island, Washington, family to help raise funds to rebuild the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel. It involved matching donations and pledges dollar-for-dollar up to the $100,000. “Thank you to all our supporters for helping us reach $100,000 towards rebuilding the refuge — your impact has been doubled, ” officials reported. “Thank you for coming together to raise $200,000. ” “Every day we see signs of improvements on our refuge, whether that be new growth on our mangroves, the return of the white pelicans, or the simple sound of passing warblers. Cleanup efforts are underway, but there is still so much work to be done, ” the DDWS added. “Hurricane Ian took a major toll on our beloved National Wildlife Refuge, but the support of our community and supporters displays the power of working together. ” Those still interested in donating toward the recovery efforts at the refuge can do so at https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E 54182&id=12.

Shell museum awarded grant

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum reported that it recently received a $5,000 Animal Crisis Grant from the SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. The funds will be used to purchase laboratory equipment, supporting the Living Gallery Recovery project that is the result of the impact of Hurricane Ian to the aquarium area of the museum. The BaileyMatthews National Shell Museum is at 3075 Sanibel Captiva Road, Sanibel.

Holiday book to benefit F.I.S.H.

Juno Book Series coauthors and sisters Marianne Pasqual and Maureen Tacito are donating 100 percent of the proceeds from their Christmas book, “Juno’s Merry Christmas, ” to F.I.S.H. of SanibelCaptiva to assist with Hurricane Ian relief. They are also selling Juno stickers, magnets and their original book about Sanibel, “Juno’s Island Adventure, ” to raise additional funding. To purchase the books or items, visit h t t p s : / / l i n k t r . e e /TheJunoBook. Books are also available for purchase on Amazon.

ST. MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Vestry member Jerry Davenport, F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva President Maggi Feiner, Executive Director Maria Espinoza, the Rev. William “Bill” Van Oss, vestry member Pat Norton and F.I.S.H. Program Coordinator Manuela Martinez.

Vestry member Pat Norton, the Rev. William “Bill” Van Oss, Community Housing and Resources Executive Director Melissa Rice and church Director of Communicatio ns Sue Van Oss. Vestry member Pat Norton, the Rev. William “Bill” Van Oss, Gladiolus Food Pantry Director Miriam Ortiz and Board Members Julie Vergin and Karen Jarboe.

Vestry member Pat Norton, the Rev. William “Bill” Van Oss and Community Cooperative Chief Executive Officer Stefanie Ink Edwards.

Let us let go of that hurricane guilt

Hurricane Ian has been an emotional roller coaster. I think I have gone through most of the internal stages at this point: shock, anger, exhaustion and despair. But there is one surprising feeling that people have voiced repeatedly over the past few months. That feeling is guilt. Some of us feel guilty because we cannot help others. Snowbirds watching from a distance and overwhelmed Floridians both feel guilty that they cannot do more. Ironically, those whose homes were unscathed feel guilty as well. You ask these folks how they did in the storm and they seem embarrassed to say that nothing happened, as if not having your home flooded is something to feel bad about! I have wrestled with a bit of guilt too. When the hurricane first hit, I worked seven days per week with no break for three or four weeks. I found that living in a crisis mode and operating on adrenaline had momentum. So when I finally took a break, I felt guilty. How could I be resting when there was so much more to be done? There are times of course when we should feel guilty. When we sin we are guilty in an objective sense, which should result in a subjective feeling of conviction and guilt. But what about feeling subjective guilt when we have not done anything objectively wrong? What should we think about “hurricane guilt”? I have been helped by meditating on my finitude. We are not God, nor are we sovereign. The Bible describes us as vapor (James 4:14), as fading flowers and grass in the field (Isaiah 40:6-8). This is a particularly hard truth to face. Many of us are self-reliant, “type A” people who thrive on getting things done. But a hurricane is a problem beyond any of us. This storm has confronted us with our limits of our energy, intelligence and money. We boast “Sanibel strong” but let us be honest: we are small before the storm, and the storm is a gentle breeze before our God. We are the creation. God is the great creator, sustainer and governor of all things. In him we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28). Jesus upholds the universe by the word of his power (Hebrews 1:3). There is great freedom in humbly embracing our status as creation and creature. I think that is part of the lesson in all this. God is God, and we are not. Let us let go of that hurricane guilt and instead call upon the Lord for grace and strength as we face the road of rebuilding that lies before us as a community.

Pastor Jeramie Rinne Faces on Faith

Pastor Jeramie Rinne is the senior pastor at the Sanibel Community Church. St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church on Sanibel recently awarded grants to four organizations that are serving the needs of locals impacted by Hurricane Ian. It donated $15,000 to F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva, $15,000 to Community Housing and Resources, $10,000 to the Gladiolus Food Pantry and $10,000 to Community Cooperative. The church reported that it created the St. Michael’s Hurricane Relief Fund in October to help restore the community and $128,000 was raised by Nov. 17. With local agencies now having set up their own storm relief funds, the focus of the fund shifted on Dec. 1 to benefit the rebuilding efforts of the church. To donate, visit www.saintmichaels-sanibel.org or text “SMAA Ian” to 73256.

‘Winter Solstice 2003 (Year of My Quintuple Bypass)’

I thought at first The cataracts had come back — the sun glinting cold and yellow over the tennis courts brought out the Bollé glasses.

Nor was noon better — the sun still low and stuck in time as I drove on the causeway to and from the mainland mall madness, gray gulf and sky, whatever shred was left of day shrouded in jaundiced twilight.

For once I was relieved to see night begin with Venus burning bright and low like a jetliner and even lower on the horizon — the thin crescent of moon slivering into renewal.

From darkest day had come most shining night and on this longest night of my longest year — the promise of ever-brightening days waiting to rise above my horizons.

Joe Pacheco Poetic License

Local students express thanks to refuge’s WoW

The “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge reported that the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge's Wildlife on Wheels has been getting around since its return to the road after Hurricane Ian. And it has been making a huge impact with students and teachers along the way as sweet thank you notes have been pouring in. While the refuge is closed to school groups due to hurricane damage, the WoW is an important tool in the “Ding” repertoire for education and community outreach — both crucial to the refuge mission. To donate to support the upkeep and programming for the WoW efforts, visit https://interland3.donorperfect.net /weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E54182&id=12.

Handmade cards from Title-I school students at the Caloosa Elementary School in Cape Coral and the Villas Elementary School in Fort Myers.

REFUGE/DDWS

Lions present gifts for holidays

On Dec. 12, Sanibel Captiva Lions Club members Jerry Miller and Sharon Miller delivered wrapped Christmas packages to Sanibel Community Church Pastor Doug Hummer and Children's Ministry Leader Sandy Bober. They were to be distributed on Dec. 18 when the children learned about giving gifts that they made for others in the community and receiving gifts from others. On Dec. 15, the club also dropped off donations for F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva's Holiday Program. Made possible by the Lions Clubs of Lee County, members from the islands, Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach and Cape Coral had previously purchased and wrapped the gifts for delivery to children displaced by Hurricane Ian. SANIBEL CAPTIVA LIONS CLUB

Alzheimer’s Association to host virtual support group

The Alzheimer's Association will host a virtual Caregiver Support Group from Dec. 28 through March 27, 2024, on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 2 to 3 p.m. It reported that support groups create a safe, confidential, supportive environment or community and a chance for participants to develop informal mutual support and social relationships. They also educate and inform participants about dementia and help them develop methods and skills to solve problems. To register, call the Alzheimer Association's 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.

FYZICAL THERAPY & BALANCE CENTERS

Rick Douglass, Virginia Reed, Erin Bailey, Julie Todaro, Denise Gergley, Brian Belmont and Meagan Lewis. FYZICAL donates to Boys & Girls Clubs

FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers, which has a clinic on Sanibel, collected hundreds of holiday gifts to coincide with the Dec. 6 grand opening of its new clinic in east Fort Myers. Staff and patients donated toys, board games, dolls, sporting goods and gift cards for youths attending the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County locations, which were then brought to the new center for pick up at the opening.